Coca-Cola is contemplating the sale of its bottling operations in India, valued at $1 billion, as it moves to focus on brands, marketing and strategy in line with global policy, according to sources quoted by the Economic Times.

“Coca-Cola plans to start talks with large industrial houses for the potential divestment”, an unnamed source is quoted by the newspaper as saying. “The deal could take 12-18 months to close”, the source added, noting that initial talks may have already begun.

Coca-Cola India has 57 bottling plants, 24 of which belong to Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, which bottles 65% of the company’s total volume in India.